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Puja celebrations get into festive mood

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 8 - Following the ceremonial installation of the idols of Goddess Durga in the beautifully-decorated mandaps yesterday, the celebrations got into the festive mood today, with the observance of Mahasaptami all over the State.

In the city, the temperatures have not been exactly what one would have associated with the Durga Puja, but nevertheless, it has failed to act as a dampener on the enthusiasm of the devotees and puja-revellers alike. By evening, the crowds hit the streets with gusto and started thronging the puja mandaps in their hordes.

While installation of the idols of Goddess Durga is done on the Mahasasthi day marking the beginning of the goddess� five-day earthly sojourn, the celebrations, in the real sense of the term, begin from the Mahasaptami day.

Hundreds of decoratively illuminated puja mandaps in and around the city lit up the skyline. If the exquisitely crafted and decorated idols evoked awe and reverence, the dazzling illuminations heightened the festive spirit.

In keeping with the trend, many of the illuminations � right from the approach roads and within the vicinity of the mandaps � were innovative. They depicted a wide range of themes, including the recent surgical strikes against terrorists, rhino poaching, environmental degradation and the appalling civic amenities of the city.

The pujas at Beltola, Latasil, Maligaon, Pandu, Athgaon, Nayantara, Binapani, Chandmari and Ganeshguri were among those that attracted the maximum crowds. Even the consequent traffic congestions had little impact on the zest of the pandal-hoppers, who were determined to make the most of the celebrations.

Shops and business concerns, especially those dealing in garments and sweets, and shopping malls and restaurants did brisk business and operated till late into the night. Small makeshift shops selling toys and children wear and temporary eateries also remained the hub of activities. Areas like Ganeshguri, Fancy Bazar, Machkhowa, Paltan Bazar, Panbazar, Beltola, Maligaon, Lakhtokia, etc, witnessed considerable rush all evening.

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